Why is the energy rating for my new home lower than the typical new build rating shown as a benchmark on the epc?
Builders tend to get approval for a large number of dwellings on a development and to build them over a number of years. In the meantime, the building regulations thermal requirements may have been improved but the builder is still legally entitled to build to the previous regulations. This means that the new home you buy may not include the latest provisions for the conservation of fuel and power. The Energy Performance Certificate shows a benchmark rating for a “Typical new build”. If the EPC rating for your new home is lower than this figure it is not built to the current building regulations.
